Deepavali Festival- Diwali The Festival Of Lights
Diwali The Most Popular Indian Festival
Diwalii is the most celebrated of all festivals in India. Also called the 'festival of lights', Deepavali also called Diwali, is celebrated by Hindus and it enlightens the hearts and mood of the people of all cadre, and caste and is a declared holiday for most offices and institutions not only in india, but also in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka etc. Just as families gather together during Christmas for celebrations, Deepavali also called Diwali in some places in India is a family festival and members of family around the world strive to be together during Deepavali for the celebrations.
History of Diwali
The Story Behind Diwali
The most popular story behind the festival is said to be the victory of good over evil. The story dates back to ancient times when a certain Asuran (a supernatural being or demon) is said to have overpowered mankind and devas (said to be a godly sect in hindu belief) and harassed everyone. Finally, the Asuran is said to have been defeated and put to death by Krishna, the King of Dwarka and his Queen, thus the light overcoming darkness.
In Northern India, the story behind the festival is said to be the celebration of the return of King Rama to his Kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the ruler of Lanka in the ancient epic Ramayana.
The Sikhs celebrate the return of Guru Har Gopind, the sixth Nanak after freeing Kings imprisoned in Fort Gwalior during Deepavali.
Preparation for the Celebrations Of Deepavali
Excitement Begins.....
Preparations start off with the announcement of a Bonus amount by Public and Private Sectors for employees with respect to Deepavali. All train tickets for the festival dates get booked within half an hour of the start of booking by railways although special extra trains are announced to manage unavailability and rush. People start getting excited about purchase and the Retailers add to the excitement by announcing great offers for clothing and all types of household appliances. A high percentage of sales of not only clothing but household appliances as well happens during the festive season. That's not the end of the tale - The heavy rush and congestion of people in the shopping area of the cities sweeps you offground!
The elders and heads of families estimate and make budgets for the festive season and plan about going to their hometowns to be with families. The women give importance to making different varieties of sweets and snacks, cleaning the house and painting it, purchasing new clothes for everyone in the house and making arrangements for pooja(a religious rite performed on the festive day) and kolam or rangoli(an artwork made on the floor with multi-coloured powder).
The children on the other hand are excited about their cousins and relatives they would meet, the wonderful time together with the crackers and fireworks and the new clothes!
On The Day Of The Festival Of Lights
The Celebration
On the day of Deepavali when all members of the family are together, people get up early, and oil their heads with sesame oil, have a bath, adorne themselves with new clothes and perform Pooja(a religious rite) and worship their god, offering a variety of sweets and eatables. They follow this with firing of crackers, then onto a sumptuous breakfast with idly, dhosai, vadai etc with sweets. Normally vegetarian meal is prepared on the festival day with varieties. The distribution of sweets and snacks to near and dear ones follows. The evening is enjoyed with lighting and arranging of lit clay lamps, fireworks and crackers.
When Is Diwali Celebrated
The Date!
The exact date of Deepavali varies every year and is decided by the position of the moon. The 'no moon day' in the Tamil month of 'Karthigai' is celebrated as Deepavali. According to English calendar it comes in the month of October or November .
Gift Your Friends This Deepavali
Families need to stay united for a better society. Do you think festivals are a way of uniting people???....
